‘Oakie’ , a title from Portsalon author Isla McGuckin, features in a new free guide launched by Children’s Books Ireland this week.
It showcases the best and brightest of Irish publications for young readers in 2026 across fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels and verse.
The national charity that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading is encouraging parents, guardians and teachers to make time for ‘reading for fun’ with the launch of ‘The Best Irish Books of 2026’ reading guide, as children return to school routines this September.
McGurkin’s book ‘Oakie’ will be released from September 15. Her award winning picture books for children receive praise for their look at complex social problems that children have to face.
Her latest book revolves around a young boy Theo who receives an acorn in school, names it ‘Oakie’ and takes care of his tiny ‘tree-to-be’.
The guide features reviews in English and as Gaeilge.
In their recently published ‘Children and young people’s reading in Ireland’ report, Children’s Books Ireland found that 23% of children and young people read for fun on a daily basis and this rises to 46% amongst those whose parents are daily readers.
Donegal-based author Isla McGuckin.
Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said:
“For some children, the summer holidays may have been spent devouring as many books as possible, but for others, the return to school might also be a return to reading. We have to be careful that families don’t conflate the two, and that there is time for reading just for fun in children and young people’s lives. The enjoyment of reading is essential if our children are to become lifelong readers and reap the benefits that come from this.
“It sounds like something very simple but international research into the educational, health and wellbeing benefits of reading for fun prove it can be a superpower that sets children up for life, making them happier, more confident at school and more likely to succeed in later life. At Children’s Books Ireland our mission is to ensure that every child has an opportunity to unlock that superpower.”
Ryan says it’s important that children in Donegal can access stories that reflect their own lived experience and the rich culture and diversity of life in Ireland, but finding those stories still proves difficult for some.
She said: “Our recent research found that almost one in four respondents didn’t know if they had any books by Irish artists in their home and 50% of parents and guardians feel it’s a struggle to find something appropriate for their children to read.
‘The Best Irish Books of 2026’ reading guide is available as a free download at www.childrensbooksireland.ie. Free copies are also available in participating bookshops and in libraries nationwide.